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NBA Style’s Biggest 2019 Trends

From shorts sets to heavy leather, this is what NBA players can’t stop buying right now.

With endless games and bottomless bank accounts, NBA players rip through trends and hyped releases faster than any touring musician or Instagram influencer. The pregame style machine spins so fast it can even become a bit of a vacuum. Put your head down to figure out how to pull off a Hawaiian shirt, and the next thing you know, everyone in the NBA is wearing jumpsuits. Start focusing on the second pair of sneakers players are carrying into the locker room, and you might miss the fact that 90 percent of the league is suddenly wearing neon. Here are a few other NBA trends that keep popping up for us this season. Now you can get a good night’s sleep knowing that you’re at least partially up to speed—until tomorrow, that is.

Extremely Plaid Pants

Bold plaid pants and equally loud streetwear have been a go-to move for newbies and veterans alike this season. NBA guys like them for the same reason we all do: They grab your attention but are still rooted in a classic place.

White Athletic Socks

Stylish guys have been into white ribbed socks for a while now, but the NBA does it bolder and better. Above-average height tends to exaggerate your proportions, but scrunching down white socks and wearing them over pants further enhances the effect—and the flex.

Matching Sets

NBA players are used to wearing uniforms, which might help explain their love of a head-to-toe look. Matching sweatsuits are popular, and players still wear traditional tailoring often enough. But this season we’ve also seen a ton of—what do you call these—fashion outfits? Essentially, a top and bottom unified by one completely insane print.

Non-NBA Athletic Merch

NBA guys like merch as much as the rest of us, but they spend plenty of time repping their team on the hardwood. So off the court, you’re more likely to find them in rocking jerseys, jackets, and sweatshirts from the NFL, NHL, or even their alma mater. Talent is cool, but team spirit is everything.

Heavy Leather

Leather and athletic activities don’t normally mix, but the men of the NBA are all about breaking style rules. This trend is an advanced flex attempted by the league’s boldest dressers—and it might be our favorite. Anyone can wear a pair of white socks, but purple leather culottes or a leather tactical vest require true style courage.